Archdiocese of Washington Announcement Regarding Coronavirus
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Closed and Masses Cancelled Beginning Saturday, March 14, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the interest of public health and safety, Governor Larry Hogan and state superintendent, Dr. Karen Salmon, announced today, March 12, that all Maryland schools must close (also cancelling ALL school-related activities) from March 16 through March 27 in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our area. As a result of this order, Archbishop Gregory has indicated that all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Washington will be closed from March 16 through March 27.
Additionally, the State of Maryland has ordered that no public gatherings in excess of 250 people may be held until further notice. As a result of this order, Archbishop Gregory has indicated Masses open to the public, in ALL archdiocesan parishes, missions, and campus ministries will not be celebrated starting this Saturday, March 14 until further notice. Weddings and funerals may proceed but attendance should be limited to immediate family.
Archbishop Gregory has also issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during this time to all parishioners of the Archdiocese of Washington.
“We are aware of the rapidly developing district and state guidelines regarding the coronavirus. My number one priority as your Archbishop is to ensure the safety and health of all who attend our Masses, the children in our schools, and those we welcome through our outreach and services. Please know that this decision does not come lightly to close our schools or cancel Masses,” Archbishop Gregory said. “We are profoundly saddened that we are not able to celebrate our sacraments as a community for the time being but we know Christ remains with us at all times – specifically in times of worry like this.”
“I have made available pastoral and spiritual resources as well as TV Mass on our website that I encourage you to use. I also invite you to join us for Mass and prayer via livestream in our social media.” Archbishop Gregory continued. “May the peace of Christ settle any anxieties and fear we may have. Let us continue to pray for the people whose lives have been impacted by the coronavirus as well as those who continue to care for them.”
Please visit adw.org/coronavirus for the latest updates.
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